Trends Tracking: Colors for 2011!

I know it’s just barely mid-2010, but paint giants Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are touting colors for 2011. I have no issue with this – it’s always good to be ahead of the curve – and if our clients were behaving themselves, they would be contacting us now for their fall/early winter needs, wouldn’t they? 2011 will be here before we know it!

At Sherwin-Williams, experts provide their statement as, out with the trendy and in with self-expression. This closely follows Trendwatching.com’s 2009 (F)Luxury prediction, in which “what constitutes luxury is closely related to what constitutes scarcity.” For those of us in the interior design industry, this means, don’t worry about focusing on what is trendy, focus on defining trendy through unique patterns, surfaces and scarce goods. Of course, traditional luxury will never disappear, but for those consumer segments who are looking for something a little more unique or different, those who may toss aside the fabric or wallpaper books with a sigh, dig in deep and look for ways to make their decorating experience personal.

Sherwin-Williams is unveiling four color groups:

Purely Refined

Restless Nomad

Bold Invention

Gently Medley (pictured above)

The color combinations are lovely and so inspiring for a new year! Here (left) are the color swatches; for more detailed information, including color card downloads, click here.

Benjamin Moore is naming 2011 the year of BALANCE, supported by four themes: